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Nature and Environment

This is the first confirmed live observation of the colossal squid, Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, in its natural habitat. The team on Schmidt Ocean Institute's Research Vessel Falkor captured footage of the nearly one foot squid at a depth of 1,968 feet, using their remotely operated vehicle "SuBastian" on March 9, during an Ocean Census flagship expedition searching for new marine life.

A colossal squid is filmed in its natural habitat for the first time

Apr 16, 2025 Colossal squid are known to be elusive and likely avoid the bright and loud research equipment used underwater.
Border barriers in the Sierra Vista District of the Coronado National Forest on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023. Emily Burns, program director for the Sky Island Alliance says the state government opted not to place shipping containers in this specific area.

Environmental group says government shared plan for border barrier in critical wildlife passage

Apr 15, 2025 They say the area is the last unwalled major biodiversity hotspot in the border region.
A sign in front of Fondomonte's 10,000 acre farm in La Paz County shows that, as of July 2024, the company is hiring.

Fondomonte asks that AZ AG's lawsuit be dropped in court filing

Apr 14, 2025 The Saudi-backed alfalfa farm's answer to a civil complaint seeks an end to the suit and legal fees.
A black bear is caught on camera in the Navajo Nation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is funding a $100,000 grant to research human-bear interactions on the Navajo Nation.

Blending science and spirit: Navajo PhD student studies black bears with cultural reverence

Apr 14, 2025 University of Arizona PhD student Deandra Jones researches black bears in the Navajo Nation, combining traditional knowledge and science to guide respectful coexistence.
Tucson officially reached 100 degrees on April 11, 2025, setting a record for the earliest date with triple digit temperatures.

100 degree temperatures officially arrive

Apr 11, 2025 Tucson set a record on Friday.
A map of the northern section of the Willcox active management area.

The Buzz: Willcox community members talk about the AMA

Apr 11, 2025 People express trepidation and hope about the future of water in northern Cochise County.
Mountain lions can be cornered by hounds in crags and at the edge of rocky cliffs.

AZ Game and Fish Commission to hear petition that aims to ban dog packs used for hunting

Apr 11, 2025 Wildlife advocates say hounding endangers rare species.
Laura Holánszky swimming in the World Triathlon.

Going the distance!

Apr 10, 2025 Meet Bruce Gungle, an ultramarathon runner, bicyclist and mountain climber; hear from University of Arizona triathlete Laura Holanszky; and Michael McKisson on what it's like to bike almost every street in Tucson.
Housed within the Department of Commerce, NOAA is responsible for the country's weather forecasts, marine fisheries management and coastal management.

NOAA contracts are being reviewed one by one, throwing the agency into chaos

Apr 9, 2025 "Lots of stuff will break," a NOAA staffer said. "It's just a matter of time."
Horseshoe Bend, five miles downstream from the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell, is a popular viewing spot for the Colorado River.

UCLA Study: Wastewater reuse could offset Colorado River water crisis

Apr 8, 2025 Arizona and Nevada lead in wastewater recycling but other states lag far behind, researchers find.
Romulus and Remus, the pups with dire wolf traits that were bred by Colossal Biosciences, are pictured at three months old.

A biotech company says it has bred three pups with traits of the extinct dire wolf

Apr 8, 2025 Colossal Biosciences says it used novel gene-editing technology to alter gray wolf DNA.
Mason bees, also called the blue orchard bee, are known as good pollinators.

As honeybees die off again, some bee enthusiasts want to give mason bees a chance

Apr 6, 2025 Mason bees are among the 4,000 types of bees native to the U.S., they are known to be shy and rarely sting.
On neurosurgeon Allan Hamilton's ranch, horses help medical students improve their bedside manner and nonverbal communication skills.

The unique genetic change that turned horses into athletic powerhouses

Apr 5, 2025 Horses are exceptional athletes, able to push their large bodies farther and faster than many other animals.
The Boulder Fire near Carefree, AZ on June 28, 2024

The Buzz: Wildfire and home insurance

Apr 4, 2025 As wildfires grow in frequency, some homeowners say they are losing their insurance.
A girl explores the instrument petting zoo at the 2024 "All in for Autism Day."

April events that bring the Tucson community closer together

Apr 2, 2025 Learn about the All In for Autism Dino Day & Walk; Pima Community College's Climate Community Day; John Coinman returns to the 40th Annual Tucson Folk Festival; and a new "Stories That Soar!" with some 1st grade humor.
Children playing at a neighborhood splash pad.

Tucson Parks and Rec opens pools, splash pads ahead of rising temperatures

Mar 28, 2025 There is no entry fee for the city's pools or splash pads, offering residents an escape from the heat.

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